Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has defended the presence of security operatives around him during the City Boy Movement walk in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following criticism by businessman and social commentator, Isaac Fayose.
Seyi explained that the security personnel were deployed to provide protection for the event and its participants, insisting that their presence was not exclusively for him.
He made the clarification while responding to Fayose, who had questioned the large number of security operatives accompanying the President’s son during the political gathering.
The controversy began after Fayose shared a video on social media on November 7, criticising Nigerian youths for participating in political activities while the country continues to face economic hardship and insecurity.
In the video, Fayose questioned why Seyi required a large security contingent comprising police officers, Department of State Services operatives and civil defence personnel during the walk.
He also criticised young Nigerians for supporting the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that they should pay greater attention to issues affecting their future.
Fayose referenced security challenges in parts of the country, including Benue, Plateau and Kogi states, as well as economic difficulties confronting citizens.
He questioned whether political rallies and street demonstrations were more important than demanding improved electricity, roads, healthcare and other essential services.
Reacting in the comment section of Fayose’s post, Seyi dismissed the criticism and described the businessman as a content creator.
He wrote, “My content creator Egbon e behave ara yin o. You and I both know that those gallant men and women were there for the City Boy Walk in PH, which was a success by the way.”
Seyi maintained that the Port Harcourt gathering was a peaceful event organised by young Nigerians who wanted to demonstrate their support for President Tinubu.
He argued that participants had the democratic right to walk, sing and express their political preferences without being subjected to public ridicule.
The President’s son also urged Fayose to respect the choices of young Nigerians who participated in the event.
The City Boy Movement, which has been mobilising support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, organised the Port Harcourt walk through its Rivers State chapter.
Seyi Tinubu serves as the patron of the movement, which has held similar political mobilisation activities in different parts of the country.
The exchange has generated discussions on social media, particularly over the deployment of security personnel during political gatherings and the role of young people in Nigeria’s political process.
While supporters of the movement have defended the right of citizens to express political support, critics have questioned the timing and significance of such activities amid the country’s economic and security challenges.
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